DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi, this is our first post and we really would appreciate some advice. We have a 70's 4 bed house with warm air heating (J&S boiler) and we have had quotes to change to a wet system. The hot air boiler is 15 years old and has never failed, but the vents in the upstairs ceilings do not warm the rooms very well and it takes a long time (abt 1.5 hours) to heat a smallish cyclinder of water. We have had three quotes and would really appreciate any advice on what we should be doing:

(1) British Gas - advise condensing boiler and keeping water cylinder. Cost around £7K

(2) Independent - advise Vailant Exclusive 838 combi boiler - remove water storage cylinder and water tank from the loft - Sounds good - Cost around £6.5K

(3) Independent - advice keep the warm air system as it is far more reliable and cost effective than any system we could replace it with. However, if we did want to change then would recommend combi. (Amazing - how they make any money from this advice?)

We just want a reliable system with no hassle but it is all so complex. All three companies said the water pressure/flo was fine for combi. We could just keep the warm air but we want to sell the house in a couple of years and wonder if this would stop us selling.

Any advice on the best, most reliable system really would be appreciated.

mgbg21,
Since you will be selling in a couple of years go with option 3 - let someone else have the hastle and disruption of options 2 and 3.
Whilst your water pressure and flow may be OK now, you may find on say christmas morning when everyone in your area is at home having showers the pressure is not OK.
Use your immersion heater for a hot water boost.
end

Thank you for the advice Stoneyboy - there are a number of people saying exactly the same - we were just concerned that people might not want to buy the house with hot air but I think we are going to have to seriously consider keeping it. Thanks again